Celebrating excellence during National Apprenticeship Week

Total People and First Bus apprentices enjoyed a special celebration event.

Celebrations were in order for Total People and First Bus apprentices who enjoyed a special event at The Manchester College during National Apprenticeship Week (3-9 February).

The second year bus and coach engineering apprentices currently work for leading transport provider First Bus while studying and training at The Manchester College, where they have access to the latest automotive facilities at Openshaw campus.

A celebration lunch was held to show appreciation for the value apprentices bring to their company and also to mark #NAW2020, which this year is themed ‘Look Beyond’.

Victor Mputu is based at the Bramley depot in Leeds but travels every six weeks to The Manchester College to study and train in the automotive department.

He said: “This is a really good group. I study the theory in the classroom before using the college’s facilities. I’m focused on my learning and really want to improve my skills and knowledge. I’d be interested in training for a degree apprenticeship and ultimately want my to own my own garage.”   

Nathan Hammersley, who is based at the Adderley Green depot in Stoke and attends The Manchester College every four weeks, said:

I would definitely recommend taking part in an apprenticeship, the support I get is good and the facilities I use are the same as in the depot.

Hansi Jackson, Head of Learning and Development at First Bus, said: “Hosting a celebration event like this is about recognising the value of apprentices within our business, as well as helping to grow our own talent.

“We do our best to retain our apprentices and offer them a wide range of opportunities in roles such as management and development. Total People are our only provider of engineering apprentices in England and we’ve got a really good relationship with them which we hope to develop further.”

Nick Lewis, Operations Manager at Total People, said: “Within the Bus and Coach industry there is a real shortage of experience and competently skilled staff. Apprenticeships are a valuable way to develop and produce the quality work force required for the future.”

Find out more about our wide range of training opportunities available.